More About Us

Steve Wall (Chairman & Coach/Trainer/Jog Leader) is turning his hand to coaching and developing others to put something back into a sport he has enjoyed for over 35 years.

A soldier since 1982, having served on the front line in hostile operations spanning the globe, Steve has lots of experience in physical fitness and leadership. He is currently a Company Commander at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate and competing in Army events in England as a veteran, so is still very active outdoors.

Previously, he competed at a high level in middle- and long-distance running, culminating in a gruelling 100-mile race in 24 hours in combat gear carrying a pack. Steve was one of only 2 competitors (out of 600) to complete the challenge. An accomplished runner and navigator, his speciality was orienteering; he managed the Infantry Orienteering Team for 10 years and still competes as a veteran.

A fit body equals a fit mind and fitness is more encompassing than just running, so as Chairman he is delighted to have such an experienced and qualified team - such as Lisa Lawson, a personal trainer and unique motivator. Steve’s philosophy in life is that everyone deserves a chance and with Cairngorm Runners there is place for everyone, whether merely walking/jogging or elite club runner, you are all very welcome to join our “friendly” club.

"Whatever your goal - lose weight, run in races, keep fit (maintain or improve health and fitness), feel good, recovery from injury, or train for an event - running will help you achieve it."

Lisa Lawson (Vice Chairman, Coach/Trainer/Jog Leader) has been keen on exercise and fitness all her life so at the age of 40, decided to pursue her passion and do it for a living.

Lisa went back to college and gained a qualification in Health, Fitness and Exercise and is now listed on the Register of Exercise Professionals as a Level 3 Advanced Instructor. She is passionate about healthy lifestyles including exercise, healthy eating and positive thinking. Lisa's main love is running and encouraging others to love running too! The benefits are endless (don’t get her started!!!) but she also enjoys playing tennis and skiing.

Exercise and fitness can be life changing and Lisa is enthusiastic and motivated and uses these skills to help clients achieve their goals and reach their potential. You could call her an Exercise Evangelist!!!

Jeannette Meldrum (Committee Member, Jog Leader and Social Convenor) finds seeing new runners develop in their abilities and confidence a rewarding experience.

Jeannette has always been an outdoors person, doing a fair amount of walking, riding and aerobics. However, when fast approaching another milestone birthday, she decided to really take herself in hand and get some personal training from Lisa Lawson, who is now one of her best friends.

Jeannette did her first 5k in Inverness in 2005 and has not looked back since. Since then, she has done several half marathons and in October 2008 completed her first full marathon at Loch Ness and has since gone on to complete others such as the Venice Marathon in 2009.

She got interested in coaching when the club started the Monday sessions for beginners. Jeannette says she finds it very rewarding to help people attain their goals and just loves seeing how quickly a new runner can come on.

"If I can do it, anyone can!!!! SO COME AND JOIN US...YOU WON'T REGRET IT."

Melissa Wall (PR & Media Contact and Jog Leader) found that perseverance pays.

Melissa started running in 2006 (despite having never run for a bus before) and decided to give running a go to improve her overall fitness and perhaps even drop a few pounds! She started by jogging in woodlands behind her house for just over a mile, which used to take her 25 min plus 3 stops and a lot of heavy breathing and sweating! However, she stuck with it and is now addicted...

She regularly takes part in 10km races all over the Highlands and admits that, although her finish times aren't exceptional, they are pretty reasonable!  Since then Melissa has completed 3 triathlons and 4 half marathons. She is now passionate about running, gym exercise and nutrition and is a qualified jogscotland Jog Leader.

Her advice to anyone thinking about taking up running is "start slowly, recognise the small improvements (they all count!), congratulate yourself for getting out there in the fresh air (after all, our surrounding area is a runner's paradise!) and most of all enjoy it and the benefits it will bring to mind and body".

"I never feel more alive than when I'm running."

Cath Harris (Club Secretary and Jog Leader) aims to pass on her enthusiasm and experiences to other beginners.

Cath began running for the first time at the age of 46 in May 2007. Since those first steps, she has successfully competed in a mixture of 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons and even a triathlon (swim/bike/run).

When Cath joined the running club in its infancy she didn't expect too much, but quickly got hooked. She began at the very bottom, but has found that commitment, perseverance and sheer determination pay off. Cath says she would put herself in the "plodder" category, happy to go along at her own pace. She just enjoys being outside in the fresh air and knowing that she is improving her overall health and fitness with each run.

"There is nothing I like better after a hard day stuck in the office than to throw on my running gear and head for the outdoors."

Frances Bain (Treasurer and Jog Leader) - usually the one chasing you for money!

Frances has been running for about 17 years and a long time ago competed for Spenborough Athletics club in Yorkshire. Working in national physical activity promotion, she can talk at length about the benefits being active can bring (given half the chance!) and is keen to encourage others to get out and about and enjoy the wonderful paths and scenery we have here.

When not running Frances enjoys, walking, climbing, kayaking, biking, skiing and looking after the house full of visitors that living in the Cairngorms brings!

Denise Stott (Jog Leader) - has been running on and off for most of her adult life.

A member of Cairngorm Runners for 2 years, Denise also enjoys cycling, mountain biking, climbing, sea kayaking, hill walking, playing tennis (badly) and playing golf (very badly).

"I love being outdoors and I particulary love the sense of freedom running gives you."

Dawn Cranston (Committee Member, Jog Leader and Merchandise Coordinator) - finds running as a group encourages her to do better and achieve distances that she wouldn't do on her own.

Dawn runs to keep fit and keep her weight down. As a Jog Leader, she can share her enthusiasm with others and take enjoyment in watching people improve and become as hooked as her!

"The scone on a Sunday is the highlight though, the club wouldn't be the same without Sundays."

Alan Riach (Jog Leader) - since his schooldays, he has had a passion for distance running and seemed to find it agreed with him.

Alan was a junior member of Birchfield harriers where he ran competitively over the country and a little later on the track.

He ran his first marathon at the age of 19 and from then on road running became his main interest, but with age he now enjoys triathlon. The multisport mix of running, swimming and biking refreshed him from continuous run training and has allowed him to explore more of this wonderful area.

He wears many hats working fulltime at the Abernethy Outdoor centre, in his spare time doing garden work and leading guided fishing trips on the Spey.

"The best thing about running for me is that anybody can do it and everyone can set their own targets from simply feeling fitter to the challenge of a big race."
 

Melanie Clouston (Jog Leader and Events Coordinator) - "Running is great, whether it is to meet new people, have fun, get fit or shape up, you can achieve your goal."

Mel started running at the beginning of last year after a friend suggested attending the running club, having never run a day in her life but with an outlook to try anything once (and she did think it would only be ONCE), she quickly became hooked, initially on the social side as the club is great fun and then on the running itself. After seven months and with a lot of hard work, Mel ran her first ever event, the Aviemore Half Marathon.

When not running Mel works as a ranger, and in her spare time she enjoys taking part in a variety of activities including skiing, sailing, walking, canoeing and sea kayaking, basically anything which gets her into the outdoors.

Marilyn Hemingway (Jog Leader and Committee Member) - "The Running Club has been an inspiration to me."

For as long as she can remember, Marilyn has participated in some form of sport, swimming being her main thing. In May 2007, she decided to take up running, and her first organised event was Race for Life, which she really enjoyed doing. From then on Marilyn has been hooked and has improved ("a bit" she says - we say more than a bit!), so she can now run Half Marathons and hopefully do more distance runs.

"I enjoy giving back the fun, the encouragement, the whole enjoyment of being able to get out there and enjoy our wonderful countryside to other club members."

Mark Allan (Jog Leader) - a good runner at an early age who has recently returned to the sport.

Mark has been involved in sport from a very young age, and played football at a good level when he was younger. He always enjoyed running and was undefeated in his age-group throughout high school at any middle- to long-distance event. He never got the chance to move his running on though, as he was so heavily involved with football. A couple of years ago, Mark hung up his football boots and rekindled his love for running - although he also enjoys cycling, the gym, hill walking, anything that is active and outdoors, really!

For his 40th birthday, Mark completed an extreme charity 7-day hiking/climbing adventure in South Africa and the group raised £25k for children with cerebral palsy - which also gave him the charity bug as he enjoys raising money whenever possible for others less fortunate.

"I'd love to be able to help others to achieve their goals, whether it's to complete a half marathon or to jog for 5 minutes, and I'm looking forward to helping as a Jog Leader."

Pauline Mitchell (Jog Leader) - began running only a few years ago.

Pauline Mitchell recently joined forces and became a jog leader to give something back to a fantastic club who without their help and support would not have been able to achieve her dream last year when she completed her first marathon.

"I began running approximately 3 years ago and have become an addict, from which I hope there is no cure! I hope you all get as much from your running as I have and all jog leaders hope we can help you to also achieve your dreams whether they they be big or small ones, happy running!"

Wendy Grigor (Jog Leader) - began as a loyal race supporter and now turned runner.

Wendy's husband Sandy is an accomplished runner and jog leader and she got into running as a result of supporting Sandy when he was competing in events. Around 3 years ago she was inspired to take up running mainly to help keep her fit. Wendy completed her first 5K at a jogscotland event at Elgin, Cooper Park in 2007, which was a proud moment for her as she never thought she would complete the distance. Since then she has completed 10K races and several half marathons - who knows she might one day take part in a Marathon!
In March 2010 Wendy became a jog leader and enjoys supporting and being able to encourage others to run.
 

Tim Rust (Webmaster and Jog Leader) - Only started running in Nov 2009

Tim began running in Winter 2009 when the ice, snow and dark evenings restricted the cycling that he had been enjoying for the previous 6 months, following a prolonged period of distinct inactivity.

His sole running challenge for the year was the Aviemore half marathon in 2010, but has already taken part in various 10km and 10mile events.

"The Club has quickly become a big part of my life, and while it's enabled me to develop my fitness and control my weight, I've also found some great friends too in the process.  I've gained so much from being a Cairngorm Runner for such a short period of time, I felt it was already time to offer something back."